In the heart of South Carolina’s capitol, Dr. Jane Roberts, Dr. Jessica Klusek, Robin Blackwood, and the Kuperman family shared their personal experiences with Fragile X syndrome in honor of the proclamation of July 22, 2018 as Fragile X Awareness Day. Thank you to everyone who came out to the State House to celebrate this declaration and to everyone who has played a role in raising awareness, advocating for policy, and fostering a welcoming community!
Although the genetic underpinnings of fragile X syndrome are known by scientists, it often goes undetected due to lack of awareness among the public and sometimes in the medical community. We are proud of South Carolina for increasing efforts to raise awareness about this condition, with the aim of helping patients with the fragile X gene make better-informed decisions and encouraging all South Carolinians to fight for early diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed July 22nd, 2018 at Fragile X Awareness Day in South Carolina. In honor of this occasion, Dr. Roberts will be speaking at the SC State House Lobby in Columbia on Monday, July 23rd at 11:00AM. Please consider coming out to the State House to commemorate this special occasion!
Midlands Strides for Autism Festival is April 28, 2018 at Irmo Community Park and Upstate Strides for Autism Festival is June 9, 2018 at Heritage Park, Simpsonville, SC. The Money raised for South Carolina Autism Society stays in South Carolina and goes towards individual and family support, education, advocacy, and training. Information on how to get involved in this important event can be found on the SC Autism Society website: http://scautism.org/strides/
Hannah Durham graduated from USC this past May and is currently a research assistant in our lab. She has accepted a clinical research specialist position at the Center for Autism and Brain Development at Duke University Medical Center! She will be joining a team who is studying the efficacy of umbilical cord blood infusion for improving outcomes of children with autism spectrum disorder. Congratulations!!
We are so proud to announce that Jessi Scherr and Marjorie Grefer have received their doctorates in School Psychology! They have successfully completed their internship experiences are are excited to start their post-graduate careers. Dr. Jessi Scherr has accepted a two -year postdoctoral research fellowship at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus Ohio specializing in clinical research of assessment and treatment practices of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Dr. Marjorie Grefer is a certified school psychologist in Lexington County School District One and she is completing postdoctoral hours for licensure in South Carolina. Congratulations!!
Graduate Students Sara Matherly and Jordan Ezell will be presenting on the Challenges and benefits to identifying and treating anxiety in youth with autism spectrum Disorders at the SC Autism Society conference on Friday, November 4th, 2016!
We are recruiting children who have been diagnosed with Autism!
Who can take part in this study: Children 30-42 months diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and a developmental delay.
What will participation involve: Completing some interviews and questionnaires about your thoughts and experiences as well as your child’s development. Yearly in person assessments of mom and child at your home. Participants will be compensated for their time and receive a brief report of their child’s development.
How will this project help families: This information would enable us to support all families affected by neuro-developmental disorders by promoting earlier diagnosis, treatment and support.
How can I get more information: Please contact Ms. Jessica Escorcia via email ([email protected]) or phone (803-777- 5676). You may also visit our recruitment page.
Alexis Ruber received a Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) award. Alexis will examine eye contact during a social interaction among mothers of children with fragile X syndrome and mothers of children with autism. The study also aims to examine the relationship between sympathetic arousal, measured by skin conductance, and eye contact in these groups. Congratulations, Alexis!
Our list of publications and presentations for 2015 has been updated based on our activities over the past year. Check out any of the links to see what we’ve been researching!
New research by members of the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab has been recently highlighted by the Fragile X Society. This research focuses on reading development and the role of phonological skills in boys with fragile X syndrome. Read more about our research and potential implications for teaching children with fragile X syndrome to read!
Learn how you can take part in our research
